Nicholas (Nick) Austin-Wakefield is a traditional fine arts illustrator and experimental multimedia artist. Based in Virginia, he is currently studying at the Rhode Island School of Design and will graduate in 2025 with a degree in Illustration. Rooted in strong conceptual thinking, his work explores the intersections of race, gender, and sexuality, using a fine arts approach to storytelling. Through a dedication to traditional techniques and material experimentation, Nick pushes the boundaries of illustration while maintaining a deep connection to historical and contemporary narratives. His practice is driven by a desire to create meaningful work that speaks to personal experiences, engages with diverse communities, and challenges conventional representations in visual culture.

Select Awards and Recognition

2024 - Black Biennial Exhibition at the Rhode Island School of Design Museum

2024 - Advanced Painting Exhibition, Illustration Studies Building — ISB Gallery, Providence, Rhode Island

2022 - Black Biennial Exhibition at the Rhode Island School of Design Museum

2021 - 2nd Place in the Visual Arts Category at the Center for the Arts “Off the Wall’ Juried Art Exhibition

2021 - Multimedia Silver Key in the Scholastic Art and Writing Competition

2021 - Battlefield High School Platinum Pallet Award for The Most Outstanding Art Student

2020 - Lockheed Martin Juried Art Exhibition

2020 - 3rd Place in the Computer Graphics Category at the Juried Water Art Invitational Competition sponsored by Prince William County Service Authority

2020 - George Mason University Juried Art Exhibition at the Hylton Performing Arts Center

2019 - Juried Prince William County “All County Arts Festival” Outstanding Visual Art Achievement

2019 - Presidential Education Award for Outstanding Academic Excellence